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Children with medical complexity in Canada
1Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia;
Insights
Children with medical complexity require specialized care due to chronic diseases and high healthcare needs. Implementing collaborative care strategies in community practices can improve support for these vulnerable pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare
- Chronic disease management
- Health services research
Background:
- Chronic diseases place significant strain on Canada's healthcare system.
- Children with medical complexity (CMC) represent a vulnerable population with complex needs.
- Community providers face challenges in delivering holistic care to CMC due to limited resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore challenges in caring for children with medical complexity.
- To identify strategies for improving community-based care for CMC.
- To advocate for healthcare reform to better meet the needs of CMC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on chronic disease burden and pediatric medical complexity.
- Analysis of current community care models and their limitations.
- Identification of best practices for managing CMC in community settings.
Main Results:
- CMC require specialized, coordinated care beyond typical pediatric services.
- Collaborative care, key worker engagement, and goal-directed care plans are crucial.
- Existing community supports are often insufficient for the complex needs of CMC.
Conclusions:
- Alternative care models and specific community practice strategies are needed for CMC.
- Enhanced support and resources are essential for community providers caring for CMC.
- Active engagement in healthcare reform is necessary to ensure adequate care for children with chronic diseases and medical complexity.
Abstract:
The burden of chronic disease is placing pressure on the Canadian health care system. A small but important chronic disease population is children with medical complexity, defined as individuals with: high family-identified needs; complex chronic disease necessitating specialized care; functional disability; and high health care utilization. These patients present a challenge to community providers who are expected to provide holistic care and manage complex issues, often with a paucity of services and supports. Alternative models of care may address the complex needs of this population. In addition, strategies can be implemented in community practices that may assist with the care of children with medical complexity such as collaborative care, engagement of key workers, focus on goal-directed care and use of care plans. The paediatric community should engage in health care reform discussions focused on chronic disease to ensure that the complex needs of these children are met.
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